The International Congress on Mental Health
London, 11th to 21st August, 1948
At the time of writing, final reports from well over two hundred Preparatory Commissions in nearly twenty countries are pouring into the London Office. These are being grouped under the most appropriate subject, and when this classification is complete, a team of editors from the Central Commissions and elsewhere will produce an integrated document on each subject. These documents and the originals will be used by the International Preparatory Commission, which will meet in residence near London for a fortnight shortly before the Congress. After intensive study and discussion, the International Preparatory Commission will prepare statements which will form the basis of discussion at the Congress. It is as yet too early to say anything of the lasting value of the reports which have come in, but whatever their quality, there is no doubt that the Commissions themselves have found that discussion between members of kindred professions is an extremely worthwhile experience. The comments of the members on the difficulties they have encountered and the ways in which they have worked through them to the point at which they were able to start co-operation, provide most interesting reading. Those who have themselves taken part in Preparatory Commissions and wish to add any such comments to their reports, may be sure that they will be studied with great care. Many Conveners have expressed gratitude for the impetus provided by the Congress in getting them to the point of starting work which otherwise might not have been undertaken. T It is clear that many Commissions will continue their work long after the Congress is over, and that in some instances, the informal study begun for the Congress will result in long-term research.
On the administrative side arrangements for the Congress are also taking shape. At least fifteen hundred members are expected to attend; about half of these are from the United Kingdom and half from forty different overseas countries. In addition to the daily plenary sessions of the Congress and the specialist meetings and study groups which are being planned, there will be various ” sidelines,” such as a comprehensive display of books and exhibits from various countries, and a continuous performance of documentary films on topics relating to the subjects under discussion.
Accommodation is one of the worst problems. Many members will be coming from war damaged countries where currency difficulties will make it almost impossible for them to meet their own expenses. Offers of hospitality in the London area, or donations, however small, towards the cost of providing accommodation will, therefore, be most welcome.
A number of volunteers are offering to act as stewards, ushers and liaison officers (if they know languages) and the Congress office would be glad to hear of anyone, not qualified to attend the Congress as a member, who might care to help in this way.
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